Five Tips for A More Rewarding Whale Watching Experience
1. Bring the family!
The most successful method of environmental conservation is education, especially where young minds are concerned. Whale watching cruises are fun, exhilarating, and educational. They present numerous opportunities for kids to experience wild ocean life as they never could in an aquarium or amusement park, and much closer than they could ever imagine.
Look for cruises with trained naturalists as guides, or experienced captains who narrate as the sail; they can provide useful information as well as simply point out the sights over the rail. Conservation information about the gray whales and other marine life is especially appropriate, considering the gray whale population was close to extinction as recently as the early 1900s. It is only through education and activism that the population is thriving again.
2. Dress in layers
San Diego whale watching is an ocean adventure, with light winds and salt spray. And even in California, late winter and early spring can be chilly, especially at sea. Whale watching cruises venture about five miles off shore, and while most have indoor and outdoor seating, you'll most likely want to remain topside to see the whales clearly. Be sure to bring a windbreaker or light jacket. Ladies with longer hair might want to secure it with a ponytail or similar.) If you dress in layers, you can always adjust if it warms up. Keep in mind it is at least 10 degrees cooler on the open ocean.
3. Bring binoculars, camera or video recorder
Your whale watching cruise will get you as close to the whales as is safe, for both whales and humans. Still, it's a good idea to have binoculars along, and of course a camera so that you can capture the moment for later.
Seeing a gray whale is an amazing opportunity, and surely an experience you'll treasure. A digital camera will help you preserve your memories, and with a video camera you may be able to record some of the gray whales' more interesting behaviors, such as a spyhop or sounding. The truly lucky may be able to witness a breach, a rare sight. Imagine if you caught that on tape!
4. Companion travel - whale groupies
Whale watchers are often also treated to the sight of dolphins and porpoises, who are the frequent travel companions of gray whales. Like whales, these streamlined missiles are cetaceans - mammals, and not fish. Many different species of dolphins and porpoises are common to the area off San Diego's beautiful coastline, and they can even be seen from shore, swimming in the waves. Risso's dolphins, the common dolphin, and the Pacific white-sided dolphin are just a few of the types you might see while out whale watching. Other marine creatures that may make an appearance are the brown pelican, an endangered species, harbor seals, and sea lions.
5. Guarantees on whale sightings
Look for a guarantee. Many of the companies that offer whale watching cruises also offer guaranteed whale sightings. However, it is nature and nature is unpredictable. If there are no whales that day, the company will usually offer a complimentary pass for a return visit, and another opportunity to spot some whales.
Hope these tips on San Diego whale watching has been helpful -- enjoy!
